We are excited to announce that the Behavior Analysis Reporting feature has been integrated into the Active Defender School Safety Platform, significantly amplifying our platform’s capabilities!

According to a 2022 Education Week report, 44% of school district leaders said they received more threats of violence from students now than in the fall of 2019. With increased misconduct among K12 students, the Behavior Analysis Reporting feature enhances not only the Active Defender platform but also serves as a tool to foster a safe learning environment for all students and staff. 

What is Behavior Analysis

The Behavior Analysis Reporting Feature helps identify and streamline the process for analyzing student behavior, reporting detailed concerns to appropriate school staff, and documenting outcomes. It makes reporting and supporting students who demonstrate troublesome behavior changes beyond typical adolescent norms simple and efficient.

Why is Behavior Analysis Important

The Behavior Analysis Reporting Feature is indispensable as it enables administrators and staff to report and monitor any concerning shifts in student behavior. This reporting function is pivotal in facilitating administrators’ early intervention. Below, we outline five key reasons why behavior analysis is fundamental.

• Identifying Patterns: It helps educators identify patterns and trends in student behavior over time. Schools can recognize recurring issues or improvements by tracking behavior data and tailor interventions accordingly.
• Early Intervention: Reporting allows for early identification of behavioral concerns. When educators can identify problematic behaviors promptly, administrators can intervene early to address issues before they escalate, ultimately supporting students’ academic and social-emotional development.
• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Behavior Analysis reporting provides objective data for decision-making processes. Administrators can use this data to make evidence-based decisions about individualized interventions, classroom management strategies, and resource allocation.
• Monitoring Progress: It enables administrators to monitor the effectiveness of interventions and strategies to support students. By regularly reviewing behavior analysis reports, administrators can assess whether interventions have the desired impact or if adjustments are needed.
• Communication and Collaboration: Reporting facilitates communication and collaboration among administrators, parents, educators, and staff. Sharing behavior analysis reports helps ensure that everyone involved in a student’s education is informed about their behavior, progress, and any necessary support or interventions.

Behavior Analysis Guide

Active Defender’s Behavior Analysis Reporting feature offers a streamlined three-step process designed for educators and administrators, ensuring swift and practical support for distressed students.

Step 1: Initiating a Behavior Analysis Report

A concerned educator or staff member inputs a student’s first and last name into the Behavior Analysis feature, initiating the process by tapping the “look up” option. 

Upon lookup of the student’s name, the educator or staff member can choose from the seven behavior options listed below:

• Aggressive Behavior: The student has a confrontational or hostile attitude towards others.
• Anxiety Issues: The student is exhibiting feelings of fear, dread, or uneasiness.
• Bullying: The student is either the aggressor or the victim of harmful physical or mental acts. 
• Demeanor/Appearance: If the student’s attire, physical appearance, or attitude takes a sudden switch. 
• Depressed/Withdrawn: The student showcases signs of persistent sadness or introversion.
• Non-Participation: There have been negative changes in the student’s typical pattern of classroom participation.
• Other: Different behaviors than those listed above.

Step 2: Notating and Reporting

Once the behavior has been chosen, the educator or staff member can detail what changes they witnessed in the student. If applicable, they can include an image by tapping “attach image” and taking a picture. 

After inputting all necessary notes, the report can be sent by tapping “Send Report.” The report is automatically sent to designated staff members, such as counselors, psychologists, or school administrators. 

Step 3: Reviewal/Intervention

The school administration assigns the submitted reports to appropriate designated school staff members. These staff members follow up with the student, provide any needed support as appropriate, document their intervention, and “close” the report documenting completion. Administrators can view individual student reports or all reports, depending on the situation. 

If you are interested in experiencing a firsthand demonstration of the Behavior Analysis feature, we invite you to contact japonte@active-defender.com or call 910-683-0090.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

According to a recent survey, 67% of educators and parents of K12 schools are more concerned about school safety now than they were five years ago. Understanding findings like this is essential for school administrators to create procedures to ensure a safe and secure learning environment. Below are 9 important safety considerations every school administrator needs to address.

Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Crisis Management / Emergency Response Plan

Creating a comprehensive Crisis Management/Emergency Response Plan requires careful consideration of various factors and potential risks. Such plans should cover the 5 phases of emergency management: prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. It is also essential to cover plans for response to varied emergencies such as:

• fire;
• severe weather/natural disasters;
• intruders (lockdown), and 
• medical emergencies

While every school is different regarding the context in which emergency policies, procedures, and protocols are planned and carried out, what is the same is ensuring that all staff members are familiar with these policies and conduct regular drills to practice them.

Active Defender’s Drill Mode

Schools implementing Active Defender as a part of their Emergency Management/Crisis Response Plans can and are encouraged to practice their fire, lockdown, and several weather drills with Active Defender’s emergency alerting/communication “Drill Mode.” This allows schools to practice essential drills directly from the Active Defender App on their cellphones, desktops, or smart boards without notifying first responders. Active Defender also allows administrators to access and print reports related to drill activities for accountability and continuous improvement purposes.

Are you interested in experiencing “Drill Mode” firsthand? Visit Active Defender to schedule a demo today!

Conduct Regular Risk Assessments

School administrators should regularly conduct various risk assessments within the school environment to identify potential hazards and assess associated risks. These assessments should cover classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and parking lots. 

Administrators can effectively prevent accidents or incidents by promptly addressing any identified hazards. Here are five types of risk assessments to consider:

• Physical Safety- Identify hazards within the school premises, such as damaged flooring, inadequate lighting, or malfunctioning equipment.

• Security Risk- Evaluate the effectiveness of security measures, including access control systems, surveillance cameras, and perimeter fencing.

• Emergency Preparedness- Review existing emergency response plans for various scenarios, including fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and intruders.

• Health and Safety- Evaluate potential health hazards in the school environment, such as exposure to allergens, indoor air quality, or hazardous materials.

• Cybersecurity- Evaluate the school’s cybersecurity posture, including the security of IT systems, network infrastructure, and data protection measures.

Enhance Physical Security Measures

Administrators must prioritize installing and maintaining appropriate physical security measures to safeguard the school environment. This includes strategically deploying security cameras, access control systems, perimeter fencing, and alarm systems throughout the premises. 

For instance, by strategically placing security cameras in high-traffic areas like entrances and corridors, administrators can enhance surveillance capabilities, deter potential intruders, and promote safety among students and staff.

Administrators can better protect the school community by staying proactive and responsive to emerging threats. Regular reviews also provide opportunities to assess current security measures’ effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Implement Visitor Management Protocols

Establishing strict protocols for visitor management is essential to maintaining a secure school environment. These protocols should encompass various measures to verify visitors’ identities and intentions before granting them access to the premises. For instance, implementing sign-in procedures requires all visitors to provide their name, purpose of visit, and other relevant information upon arrival.

In addition to sign-in procedures, identification verification plays a crucial role in confirming the legitimacy of visitors. Schools may require visitors to present government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, which staff can verify against a database or visitor log.

Furthermore, issuing visitor badges indicates authorized entry and helps identify individuals who may not belong on campus. Visitor badges can include the visitor’s name, photo, and the purpose of their visit, making it easy for staff to identify legitimate visitors and detect any unauthorized individuals quickly.

Provide Ongoing Safety Training

According to a 2020 report, 97% of surveyed schools provide teachers with training on school safety and security. Offering regular safety training sessions for staff members is essential to ensure they are well-prepared to handle emergencies and maintain a safe environment within the school. These training sessions should cover various topics, including emergency response procedures, first aid/CPR, and crisis management.

Emergency response procedures training equips staff with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to various emergencies, such as fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and security threats. Staff members learn to recognize signs of emergencies, initiate appropriate responses, evacuate safely, and coordinate with emergency services when necessary. 

Foster Strong Communication Channels

Maintain open and transparent communication channels with staff, students, parents, and the broader community regarding safety protocols, updates, and potential threats or concerns. Utilize various communication tools such as emails, newsletters, and mobile apps.

Active Defender’s Two-Way Communication

Active Defender’s chat platform facilitates direct, two-way communication among administrators, staff, and emergency responders. It includes AI chat features, allowing users to report crucial details with a single tap instantly. Learn more about Active Defender’s capabilities and how we can enhance your school’s security. 

Establish Emergency Response Teams

Forming emergency response teams composed of trained staff members is critical to ensuring an effective and coordinated response to emergencies within the school environment. These teams are responsible for managing emergencies, implementing established protocols, and ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors.

Assigning specific roles and responsibilities to team members is essential to streamline decision-making and actions during emergencies. Each team member should have clearly defined duties based on their expertise and training. For example, roles may include Incident Commander, Communications Coordinator, First Aid/CPR Responder, Evacuation Coordinator, and Reunification/Recovery Coordinator. By clearly delineating responsibilities, the emergency response team can work together seamlessly to address the school community’s needs during crises.

Click here to download a PDF toolkit of an emergency response prepared by the National Clearinghouse under a U.S. Department of Education grant.

Monitor and Address Bullying and Harassment

According to a 2023 study, 76% of public schools cite an increase in staff voicing concerns about their students exhibiting symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Implementing proactive measures to prevent bullying and harassment is crucial for fostering a safe and inclusive school environment where all students can thrive.

Proactive measures may include implementing anti-bullying programs and initiatives, conducting awareness campaigns, integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum, and promoting empathy, respect, and tolerance through classroom discussions and activities that help cultivate a culture of kindness and understanding, reducing the likelihood of bullying and harassment.

Providing resources for students and staff to report incidents confidentially is essential for ensuring that incidents of bullying and harassment are promptly addressed and effectively resolved. Establishing reporting channels, such as; 

• anonymous tip lines; 
• online reporting forms, and 
• designated staff members trained to handle reports are a few ways to promote reporting. 

By offering confidential reporting options, schools empower students and staff to speak up about bullying and harassment without fear of retaliation or stigma, increasing the likelihood of incidents being brought to the attention of school authorities.

Collaborate with Local Authorities

Establishing partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical services (EMS) is essential for enhancing the school’s emergency response capabilities and ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors. 

Schools can leverage their expertise, resources, and support by collaborating with these external stakeholders to coordinate effective emergency responses. This partnership facilitates communication, coordination, and cooperation between the school and emergency responders, enabling a more efficient and coordinated response during crises.

Active Defender’s Integration with First Responders

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform application can integrate with local first responders, alerting authorities with detailed situational awareness of the emergency and reducing response times. Take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by visiting Active Defender and scheduling a demo.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

Active Defender proudly announces its exclusive sponsorship of two premier school safety conferences this summer. The first is the highly anticipated North Carolina Christian School Association (NCCSA) Summer Administrators’ School Safety Conference, followed by the esteemed North Texas School Safety Conference. We are thrilled to support these important events dedicated to enhancing school safety protocols and promoting a secure learning environment for all students and staff.

North Texas School Safety Conference

Active Defender is sponsoring and presenting at the North Texas School Safety Conference at Southwest Christian School in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 4, 2024. The conference is expected to draw 120+ private and public school administrators from the North Texas area to learn about the latest innovations in school safety and how to ensure the safety and security of their students, staff, and campuses. The planned speakers come from extensive backgrounds in security, including law enforcement, the FBI, the Secret Service, and the military, and session topics will include:

• Student Mental Health Support/Behavioral Analysis of Individuals in Crisis
• De-escalation Training for School Personnel 
• The “Must-Haves” of Emergency Response/Crisis Management Planning
• Effective Security: Promoting a Culture of Safety
• Active Defender: Comprehensive Situational Awareness in a Crisis

NCCSA Summer Administrators’ School Safety Conference

Active Defender is sponsoring and presenting at the NCCSA Summer Administrators’ School Safety Conference at Hilltop Christian School in Fuquay Varina, NC, July 22-23, 2024. The conference is expected to draw 75+ private school administrators from NCCSA and non-member schools. Planned speakers come from extensive safety and security backgrounds, including school security, Secret Service, and the military. Session topics will include:

• Student Behavioral Analysis/Prevention (Part I and Part II)
• Threat Assessment (Part I and Part II)
• Reducing Risk with Strategic Planning
• Three Essential School Table-Top Safety Exercises
• Active Defender: Comprehensive Situational Awareness in a Crisis
• Expert Panel Discussion

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

Prom is an occasion that many young adults look forward to every year. While prom-goers are encouraged to have a fun evening, it is even more critical that they are safe. According to a 2016 survey from the American Automobile Association (AAA) Teen Survey, 31% of teenagers admit to having used drugs or alcohol on prom night. 

While preventing or predicting every safety situation on prom night is impossible, the more thoroughly your prom safety plan is, the better prepared you and your staff will be when faced with an incident. 

Establish Clear Safety Guidelines

Ensure students know safety guidelines, including rules regarding alcohol consumption, designated drivers, and appropriate behavior. Prom Safety Guidelines should be shared with students, parents/guardians, and staff a few weeks before prom. Below is an example of prom safety guidelines. 

Prom Safety Guidelines

• Zero Tolerance for Underage Drinking: Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited. Students found possessing or consuming alcohol will face immediate consequences, including removal from the event.
• Arrive and Leave in Groups: Students should arrive and leave prom in groups to enhance safety. Encourage students to look out for one another and avoid leaving anyone behind.
• Respectful Behavior: Prom is a formal event; students should always behave appropriately. Respect fellow attendees, venue staff, and property to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
• Safe Transportation: Students are to use designated drivers or arrange transportation with trusted adults.

Provide Transportation Options

With more than 70% of teens having consumed at least one alcoholic beverage by the time they reach age 18, according to the American Addiction Centers 2022 study, schools must address the issue of driving under the influence, particularly on prom night.

According to a 2022 AAA Teen Survey, 82% of surveyed teens say their friends are more likely to drive impaired than call an adult for help. To prevent drunk-driving incidents, encourage students to use designated drivers, arrange for a trusted guardian or transportation service to pick up, or, if your budget allows, you can also arrange transportation, like buses, to and from the event. 

Increase Security Presence

To increase security measures at the prom venue, schools can enlist the support of professional security personnel and ensure that all staff are trained to handle emergencies efficiently and effectively. While your venue may already have security measures in place, it’s crucial to implement additional precautions to ensure a safe prom environment for all attendees.

Before the event, arrange for trained security personnel to be present throughout the prom. Seek out individuals with experience in prom safety protocols and who have previously worked in settings similar to your chosen venue. Investing in experienced and well-prepared security personnel can significantly enhance the overall safety and security of the prom experience.

Implement Check-in/Check-out Procedures

Ensure the venue has security checkpoints for attendees as they enter the event. These checkpoints should be equipped with thorough procedures, including bag checks, to identify and confiscate prohibited items, preventing them from entering the prom premises.

Before the event, it’s essential to communicate clearly and effectively with attendees about the prohibited items to avoid any confusion or unintentional violations. By providing clear guidelines and instructions beforehand, attendees can ensure compliance with security protocols and contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment throughout the prom festivities.

Offer Emergency Support

Ensuring a safe prom entails hiring a proficient team comprising experienced medical personnel in addition to trained security staff. Medical personnel can be present at the event or establish a fully equipped first aid station to promptly address any medical emergencies that may arise during the prom.

Once all safety measures are outlined, effective communication of safety protocols to both staff members and student attendees becomes paramount. To prevent misunderstandings, disseminate these directives through various channels such as newsletters, school announcements, and school-wide emails, providing comprehensive details of each safety requirement.

Furthermore, it’s essential to underscore the consequences of failing to comply with these safety measures. By clearly articulating the penalties associated with non-compliance, individuals are more likely to take safety protocols seriously and adhere to them diligently throughout the event.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

In the wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it can be challenging to know what information is factual and what is fiction. Misinformation is false, inaccurate, or misleading content, even if it is spread unintentionally. According to a recent survey, Only 61 percent of participants could tell the difference between AI-generated people and real ones. 

Spotting a fake image or AI-generated text message can be difficult without the proper knowledge and, in some cases, frightening to students and educators. Earlier this month, at a middle school in Beverly Hills, school administrators were alerted to images of students’ faces that were superimposed onto AI-generated bodies. In cases similar to the Beverly Hills incident, how do you spot misinformation to safeguard students? 

Develop Media Literacy Skills

Media literacy skills can improve students’ and educators’ ability to identify misinformation. Educators can develop and enhance their media literacy skills by equipping themselves with the tools to recognize misinformation and stay updated on common misinformation tactics, fact-checking resources, and techniques for evaluating sources.

The SIFT Method

One method of identifying misinformation created by research scientist Mike Caufield is SIFT. SIFT has four steps: Stop, Investigate the Source, Find Better Coverage, and Trace the Original Context.

• Stop: Ask yourself whether you know the source of the information and the reputation of the claim.
• Investigate the Source: Identifying where media comes from before reading will help you decide if it is worth your time and, if it is, better understand its significance and trustworthiness.
• Find Better Coverage: Use the best source on this topic, or, just as importantly, scan multiple sources and see what the expert consensus is.
• Trace the Original Context: Trace the claim, quote, or media back to the source so that you can see it in its original context and feel confident that the version you saw was accurately presented.

Common Misinformation Tactics

Understanding common misinformation tactics can help develop media literacy and improve an educator’s ability to safeguard students. Below is a list of common misinformation tactics. 

• Websites like FakeWhats and IFakeTextMessage allow users to create fake text message conversations. Users can change the battery percentage, carrier, and text color, among other things.
• Several websites, like generated.photos.com and this-person-does-not-exist.com, allow users to create AI-generated fake photos of people by combining different images on the web.
• Software like Later.com enables users to schedule social media posts and comments months in advance and make them look like they are coming from somewhere else. (For example, I can schedule a post to look like I’m in Tyler, Texas, when I’m in New York City.)

Encourage Source Verification

Another avenue to identify misinformation is to verify the source of the media. Media sources can be verified in several ways, such as using reputable news outlets, locating peer-reviewed articles, Google or Bing searches, and credible research sources. 

Tools to Recognize Misinformation

While understanding misinformation tactics is essential, knowing how to recognize them is critical. Below is a list of helpful tools for identifying misinformation.

• Websites like Tineye and FaceCheckID can help distinguish fact from fiction when identifying whether an image is AI-generated. When an image is uploaded to Tineye, it searches the web for similar images, if applicable. 
• Websites like F-secure can be helpful if you are presented with a text message and need to determine if it is fake.

Promote Critical Thinking

Educators can foster an environment that encourages questioning, discussion, and independent research to combat the spread of misinformation. Students, educators, and administrators are susceptible to misinformation, and no one is immune to its effects. Regardless of background or education, anyone can fall victim to false or misleading information. 

That is why it is essential to teach and encourage students to analyze information critically, consider multiple perspectives, and evaluate the credibility of sources. This will benefit students and empower educators to be on the lookout for signs of misinformation.

While AI continuously evolves, the tips for identifying and fighting misinformation will always apply. Educators and administrators can continue to develop their media literacy skills, encourage staff and students to verify the media source, and promote critical thinking when analyzing the subject.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and Report their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

Recently, concerns over school safety have skyrocketed, with parents expressing heightened fears for their children’s well-being. Gallup’s latest survey reveals alarming statistics, indicating that 44% of adults fear for their children’s physical safety at school, marking a significant increase since 2019. This surge in anxiety comes on the heels of several devastating mass shootings across the country, further exacerbating parental worries.

The rise in safety concerns is not unfounded. Tragic incidents (such as the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 students and two teachers lost their lives) have left communities reeling.

In response to these alarming trends, schools must take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Here are three responses that can help address school safety concerns:

Enhanced Security Measures:

• Implement robust security protocols, including increased surveillance, access control systems, and metal detectors, to deter potential threats and enhance situational awareness.
• Conduct regular safety drills and training sessions to educate students and staff on emergency response procedures and ensure they are prepared to respond effectively in crises.
• Collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to conduct security assessments and develop comprehensive emergency response plans tailored to each school’s needs.

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform provides comprehensive situational awareness during a crisis to help reduce the chaos. Features include, but are not limited to;

• Real-time alerting and communication;
• customized, live, dynamic campus mapping, allowing every staff member to know what and where the threat is;
• live status reporting indicating if staff is okay or needs assistance; 
• student accountability feature, allowing administrators to account for every student in the first 5 minutes of a crisis and
• integration capabilities with local police departments and 911 centers to show first responders where the threat is located.

To learn more about what Active Defender can do to enhance your school’s safety and security measures, visit Active-Defender.com.

Mental Health Support Services:

• Allocate resources to expand mental health support services within schools, including hiring additional counselors and psychologists to provide students with emotional support and coping strategies.
• Establish peer support programs and student-led initiatives that promote mental wellness and create a supportive school environment where students feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
• Partner with community organizations and mental health professionals to offer workshops and educational sessions for parents to recognize signs of distress in children and access appropriate resources.

Strengthened Community Engagement and Prevention Efforts:

• Foster open communication and collaboration between schools, families, and community members to create a support network for promoting safety and well-being.
• Implement proactive prevention programs, such as anti-bullying campaigns, conflict resolution training, and substance abuse prevention initiatives, to address underlying issues and reduce the risk of violence.
• Organize community forums, town hall meetings, and safety summits to facilitate discussions on school safety concerns, share best practices, and develop community-driven solutions to address the root causes of violence.

By implementing these proactive responses, schools, and communities can work together to create safer environments for students, alleviate parental concerns, and foster a culture of resilience and support in the face of ongoing safety challenges. Together, we can prioritize the safety and well-being of our children and ensure that every student feels secure and protected at school.

Carthage, N.C., March 8th, 2024- Active Defender, a leading organization dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of students, is excited to announce its new partnership with the West Virginia Christian Education Association (WVCEA) as its official emergency alerting/school safety platform. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Active Defender’s mission to enhance school safety.

The WVCEA is renowned for its commitment to supporting Christian schools in West Virginia by providing valuable programs and services. Through initiatives focused on excellence and freedom preservation, the WVCEA empowers staff and students to thrive in their educational endeavors.

“We are thrilled to partner with Active Defender,” said Dr. Dan Brokke, Executive Director of WVCEA. “Their innovative platform offers a crucial layer of protection for staff and students, aligning perfectly with our mission to prioritize safety and security in Christian education.”

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication during crises. From simplifying student accountability to facilitating seamless reunification processes, the platform equips administrators and staff with real-time insights and live, dynamic campus mapping features to respond to threats effectively.

“In today’s ever-evolving landscape, ensuring the safety of our school communities is paramount,” stated Jim Boyte, CEO and Founder at Active Defender. “We are proud to be trusted to protect over 160 school systems across 22 states, and we look forward to empowering even more institutions with our comprehensive school safety platform.”

With a proven track record since its inception in 2019, Active Defender continues to set the standard for school security platforms. Experience the difference firsthand by booking a free demo today and discover how Active Defender can elevate your school’s safety and security measures.

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that the Recovery Support feature has now been integrated into the Active Defender’s School Safety Platform, marking a significant enhancement to our platform! Having a reunification plan is crucial for schools in the event of a campus emergency necessitating the evacuation and reunification of students with their parents at an alternate location.

Such a plan ensures the safety and well-being of students by providing a structured and organized process for reunification, minimizing confusion and distress for all during a crisis. An appropriate plan enables schools to efficiently:

• Account for all students and their well-being.
• Establish clear communication channels with parents and relevant authorities to keep stakeholders informed, reducing stress and promoting calm.
• Establish clear communication channels with school staff supporting reunification.
• Verify parent/guardian identities.
• Facilitate smooth and orderly reunions with parents/guardians.
• Document successful student/parent reunifications.

The effects of not having a plan for reunification or an ineffective one, are detrimental to the well-being of students and parents, often resulting in long wait times, confusion, and increased stress. Such instances can imply a lack of preparedness and may quickly cast a negative public image on the school and district.

The addition of the Recovery Support feature provides a comprehensive solution for simplifying the complex procedures associated with overseeing, communicating, reporting, and ensuring accountability during crucial moments of student reunification.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how this innovative feature operates:

Initiating Recovery:

In the unfortunate event of a crisis necessitating the relocation of students, the Recovery Support feature empowers schools to respond promptly and efficiently in reuniting students with their parents or guardians.

Step 1: Initiating Recovery Requests

A designated staff member receives a student’s first and last name from a parent or guardian. This information is input into the Recovery Support feature, initiating the process by tapping the “student lookup” option.

Upon initiating the process, one of four status options will be displayed on the screen, providing crucial insights into the student’s current situation:

• Presumed Waiting: Indicates that the student is presumed to be in a secure location.
• Status Uncertain: Denotes the student’s status is currently uncertain.
• Guardian Identified: Confirms that the parent or guardian has been identified as authorized for student pickup.
• UNIFIED COMPLETE: The student and parent or guardian have been successfully reunited.

Step 2: Verification and Further Instructions

If the status indicates ‘Presumed Waiting,’ the staff member can enter the parent or guardian’s first and last name, along with their relationship to the student, to verify their authorization for pickup.

In cases where the status reflects ‘Status Uncertain,’ the staff member guides the approved parent or guardian to a designated holding area, where they can be provided with support as they await further instructions and updates.

Step 3: Reunification and Confirmation

Once the parent or guardian is confirmed for pickup, they are reunited with the student under the supervision of a staff member. 

A crucial step in this process involves capturing a photograph of the reunification moment, which serves as visual documentation. Subsequently, the staff member confirms the status as ‘UNIFIED COMPLETE,’ marking the successful conclusion of the recovery process.

For those interested in experiencing a firsthand demonstration of the Recovery Support feature, we invite you to contact us at japonte@active-defender.com or call 910-683-0090 to schedule a brief virtual demonstration.

With the Recovery Support feature, Active Defender continues its commitment to providing robust tools and solutions for ensuring the safety and well-being of students during critical incidents.